mes chers
The English phrase "my dears" can be translated into French as mes chers.
mes chers is an affectionate way to address a group of people who are loved or held in high regard. It is often used in letters, speeches or when addressing a close-knit group in a warm, affectionate manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective mes (my) and the adjective chers (dear/expensive/precious).
Which one should you use?
In French, the masculine form mes chers is used for a group of men or a mixed-gender group of men and women.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group being addressed consists entirely of women, use the feminine form mes chères instead of mes chers.
Did you know?
- Because cher can also mean 'expensive', calling someone mon cher in a certain tone could accidentally imply they are a high cost to you.
- While mes chers is warm, using it in a modern casual setting can sound theatrical, as if the speaker is reciting a line from a 19th-century play or novel.
- The word chers comes from the Latin carus, which described something that was both costly and beloved, a dual meaning that survives in both French and English.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir, mes petits chéris! Comment s'est passée votre journée ?Good evening, my little darlings! How was your day?
- Comment allez-vous, mes petits loups ?How are you, my little wolves?
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are greeting their grandchildren.
- LucasVenez ici, mes chers !Come here, my dears!
- EmmaOn arrive, Lucas !We're coming, Lucas!
- LucasOn a préparé un gâteau pour vous.We prepared a cake for you.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, c'est gentil.Thank you very much, that's kind.
